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Thursday, November 19, 2015

The Mask Man of Malaysia | Mah Meri Cultural Village

Having heard of the many tribes in East Malaysia, I tend to
find that Peninsular is lack of past and heritage, especially Selangor being
the melting pot after Kuala Lumpur. But of late, with the help of UPEN (Unit
Perancangan Ekonomi Negeri Selangor), I
have learnt to appreciate the little thing in Selangor that I am proud of now, able
to brag share. One of it being Mah Meri Cultural Village; home to the culture
and heritage of Mah Meri tribe of Selangor.

Visited more than a handful of Living Museum or Cultural
Village, in within Malaysia or internationally, am excited to visit my very own
birth place’s cultural village. Being the ‘jungle people’ of peninsular
Malaysia, the Meh Mari was originally known as the Orang Besisi, (also call
themselves Ma Betisek, which means, "people with fish scales") is classified
under Senoi subgroup. Similar to the aborigines of Sabah and Sarawak, the Mah
Meri or Orang Besisi are nomadic seafarer living in small wooden houses in the
forest of Selangor with minimal modernity interaction aside from medical and tele-communication
aspect. Known as the Mask Man of Malaysia due to their woodcarving skills and leaves
origami, they pretty much holds and preserve their heritage and culture
tightly. Still practicing anismism, one will notice that most of the unique,
authentic and detail wood carving features animistic characters; which is noted,
recognized and received UNESCO Seal of Excellence.

At the Mah Meri Cultural Village, one get to visit the
museums that showcases the history, some of the famous wood carvings and culture.
Located at Pulau Carey, the museum is basically located at their village where
visitors get a chance to see them going through their daily routines, getting
to work, walking to school or doing a normal house chore. Upon earlier
arrangement and request, one can even see their local dance.

I was told that the highlight of the tribe would be their
festival whereby I was encouraged to visit
and experience the ritual of their Hari Moyang or Spirit’s Day. Usually observed
after the Lunar New Year where villagers in Carey Island would celebrate it in
grand manner. Similar to any other festival in Malaysia, food and drinks are served
to the guest, while the Tok Batin or Shaman will conduct the ceremony. Spirit’s
Day is celebrated to seek blessing for their family members, friends and home. It
starts from morning at 3 moyang’s home - Moyang Keteq, Moyang Gadeng dan Moyang
Amai. Spirits’ Day attracts travelers from near and far where their famous Jooh
and Topeng dance being performed.Entrance Fee